Hurley raided by unusual neighbors

For the past for few days, Hurley residents have received a few unexpected visitors. Adan Jacquez, a local game warden, said residents have been complaining about the unruly mob getting under vacant homes and into gardens. So, New Mexico Game and Fish has set up a trap to capture the javelinas, and has already caught a dozen and relocated them.

Last Wednesday, Game and Fish set up a trap off B Street in Hurley. So far, 13 javelinas have been captured and released along the Mimbres River in Faywood.

Hurley Police Chief Jaime Serrano said the animals come out at night and roam the streets. Two days ago, he had a group of them in his yard.

“They are looking for food,” Serrano said. “I have told citizens to not leave trash exposed or dog bowls.”

Dennis Miller, owner of Gila Wildlife Rescue, said javelinas travel daily through creeks and arroyos, ending up in yards. Jacquez said the animals are highly active during the winter.

“They are trying to stay warm so they go under homes,” he said. “In the winter, we usually get a bunch of javelinas complaints. Usually we get complaints from residents of Santa Clara who live along the drainage.”

What they lack in eyesight, they make up for with their sense of smell and are attracted to trash, dog food and bird feed. Some tips to prevent javelinas from rousting up your yard are to keep your trash covered and sealed and bring pet food bowls inside. Anyone who encounters one can scare it by yelling or honking a horn. But Miller recommends leaving them be.

“Javelinas can turn and attack if they have young,” he said. “It is good to treat them with respect. They have a set of tusks that can be pretty damaging.”

These aren’t the only creatures that have been spotted in a town. On Thanksgiving night, a bear was spotted on San Vicente Street in Silver City. Then, about 24 hours later, a bear was reported on Kelly Street.